Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Association between Maternal and Paternal History of Chronic Constipation and Its Development: A Brief Report

Nhu Thi Hanh Vu1, Duc Trong Quach1,2, Shunsuke Miyauchi3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Gastro-Hepato Integrated Research Team (GHIRT-002.TCM2025), School of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Digestion
|May 29, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A family history of chronic constipation (CC) from either parent is similarly linked to developing CC in offspring. This association may be influenced by shared environmental factors, warranting cautious interpretation.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • A family history of chronic constipation (CC) is a known risk factor for developing the condition.
  • Understanding the differential impact of maternal versus paternal CC history is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the association of maternal and paternal histories of chronic constipation (CC) with the presence of CC in offspring.
  • To identify other contributing factors to CC in a student population.

Main Methods:

  • A web-based questionnaire collected data from 5,518 university students on demographics, lifestyle, family history of CC, and psychological factors (BDI, EAT-26, BITE).
  • Chronic constipation (CC) was diagnosed using the Rome IV criteria.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine factors associated with CC.

Main Results:

  • Both maternal (OR=3.47) and paternal (OR=3.41) histories of CC showed significant and similar associations with CC in offspring.
  • Other significant risk factors identified included higher Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26 scores (OR=4.27), female sex (OR=2.74), lack of physical exercise (OR=1.67), and short sleep duration (OR=1.45).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal and paternal family histories of chronic constipation (CC) are similarly associated with CC in offspring.
  • The observed familial association may be significantly influenced by shared, unmeasured environmental factors rather than solely genetic predisposition.
  • Findings should be interpreted with caution due to the potential confounding effect of environmental influences.
Abstract

Keywords:
Chronic constipationFamily historyJapanMaternal historyPaternal historyUniversity students

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...